RDML Chester A. Richmond, Jr.
February 22, 1917 – December 8, 2012
Rear Admiral Chester A. Richmond, Jr., United States Coast Guard, passed away in Port Orchard, WA on December 8, 2012. Admiral Richmond served his nation for forty two years as a member of the United States Military. He served two years in the U.S. Army prior to winning an appointment to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in New London, CT. Admiral Richmond graduated in 1941 with honors and served as Battalion Commander in his final year.
He was born, February 22, 1917, in San Francisco, CA. to Margaret and Chester Richmond. He graduated from Berkeley High School prior to enlisting in the U.S. Army in 1935.
On April 8, 1942, he married Barbara Carolyn O’Connell of New London, CT.
After graduation from the Academy, he served on convoy escort duty between Boston and Ireland. Following convoy duty, he earned his wings at Pensacola, FL as a Coast Guard Aviator, Number 146, on May 25, 1943. Over his career he flew both fixed wing and helicopters. In 1953 he graduated from Navy Test Pilot Training School, Patuxent River, MD.
Thoughout his career he was awarded numerous decorations, including the Distinguish Flying Cross (DFC) and the Meritorious Service Medal. He was particularly proud of the DFC as it was awarded for a hazardous peace time helicopter rescue, while he was Commanding Officer, Coast Guard Air Station, Kodiak, AK. Other commands held by Admiral Richmond included, Commanding Officer, St. Petersburg’s, Florida and head of the Coast Guard Aviation Division, Headquarters, Washington, D.C.
Admiral Richmond retired in 1977 and worked as a consultant for ARCO Marine prior to becoming the Director of Operations at the Seattle Tacoma Airport.
He fully retired in 1983 to his home on Bainbridge Island, where he spent time with family and friends. He was an active member of Saint Cecilia Catholic Church. He spent many enjoyable hours playing golf as a member of the Wing Point Country Club.
Admiral Richmond is survived by his beloved wife of 70 years, Barbara; children, Bob of Anchorage, John of Port Hueneme, CA, James of Olympia, WA, Patricia of Anchorage, AK, Kathleen of Memphis, TN, Tammy of Port Orchard, WA, and Thomas of Seattle, WA; 18 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.
Funeral Mass was celebrated at Saint Cecilia Catholic Church, Bainbridge Island on December 13th at 11:00 A.M. Interment will occur, Friday, December 14th at 12:30 P.M. at Mt. Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent, WA.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to: Franciscan Hospice & Palliative Care, P.O. Box 1502, Tacoma, WA 98401-9836, or the USCG Alumni Association, 47 Mohegan Avenue, New London, CT 06320.
Please sign the online Guest Book for the family at: www.cookfamilyfuneralhome.com.Arrangments are under the direction of Cook Family Funeral Home, Bainbridge Island, WA.
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